Transcript
Denver: We’re here with Aaron Hurst, the CEO of Imperative and the Author of The Purpose of Economy to do Take Five. Are you ready, Aaron?
Aaron: I’m ready!
Denver: What idea in philanthropy is ready for retirement?
Aaron: The charity dinner.
Denver: What should we be worried about?
Aaron: The president.
Denver: What’s your favorite documentary or movie?
Aaron: Woody Allen’s Zelig.
Denver: What is something really weird or unsettling that happens to you on a regular basis?
Aaron: I find myself making assumptions about people that are wrong and it really pains me.
Denver: What is something you believe that other people think is just insane?
Aaron: I think all people fundamentally have a purpose.
Denver: Name some organization or person you have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for?
Aaron: That’s easy. That would be my wife, Kara Hurst, who runs The Sustainability at Amazon, which I deeply respect as well.
Denver: What is the most interesting part of your morning ritual?
Aaron: Seeing my kids and just being able to see their optimism [entering] each day.
Denver: What is the most important thing that makes for a healthy organizational culture?
Aaron: Optimism.
Denver: What is something that you bought that you’ve gotten your money back on 100 times over?
Aaron: The book Sapiens.
Denver: When was the last time you were voluntarily completely disconnected from all your devices?
Aaron: Probably the year I was born.
Denver: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Aaron: Empathy.
Denver: When was the last time you sang to yourself?
Aaron: Never.
Denver: What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Aaron: Be courageous.
Denver: And finally, is there a quote you live by or think of often?
Aaron: “Success is my only motherfucking option; failure is not.” By Eminem.